GoM on Telangana to meet Thursday

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Last Updated: Wed, Nov 06, 2013 15:00 hrs

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Nov 6 (IANS) The Group of Minister (GoM) to consider the issues regarding the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and formation of a Telangana state will meet in the national capital Thursday.

The third meeting of the GoM headed by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde will consider the reports prepared by various ministries and also the suggestions received from people on email.

After the second meeting on Oct 19, Shinde had said that over 2,000 suggestions were received from people and that the ministries were asked to take them into account while preparing their status reports.

The meeting is expected to fast track the process for formation of Telangana state.

The six-member GoM plans to submit its report to the government before the winter session of parliament and a draft bill for carving out Telangana state will be based on its recommendations.

The GoM was constituted last month to address all issues that need resolution at the central and state government levels.

As part of its intensified efforts, the GoM will hold separate meetings with the political parties Nov 12 in Delhi. It has called only five parties for the meetings as three other parties have not submitted their reports.

The GoM had asked eight parties to submit their suggestions on the bifurcation by Nov 5.

The ruling Congress submitted two reports - one by leaders from Telangana supporting bifurcation and the other by Seemandhra leaders demanding status quo.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is also divided on the issue along regional lines, YSR Congress party and Communist Party of India-Marxist, which are opposed to bifurcation, have not submitted their reports.

The GoM has allotted half hour to leaders of each party to enable them to place their views. The panel may also seek clarifications at the meetings.